Rev. Dr. L. Stephen Smith Jr.

Steve Smith became the Designated Pastor of FPC in 2009 and was elected as the congregation’s Pastor in 2011. Steve believes that God loves everyone unconditionally without exception.He is a native Western Pennsylvanian with deep Christian family roots in Washington County .Steve’s Bachelor’s degree is from Thiel College and his Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He earned his Doctor of the Science of Theology degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Steve has served suburban churches near Pittsburgh , Detroit , and Washington , D.C. and was the pastor of urban congregations in McKeesport , PA and Toledo, Ohio .Steve and his wife, Kim, appreciate Washington , PA and believe that this region is one of America ’s best kept secrets.Steve is impressed with the talented people of FPC and is glad for the congregation’s long-standing relationship with Washington and Jefferson College . He is passionate about local, national, and international mission.

Nationally, Steve helped to launch the Church-wide Transformation Training Network in the PCUSA.He was the network’s first Coordinator for five years and served on teams that designed and implemented national conferences across the country.Steve has led leadership training workshops and seminars and has taught doctoral studies at San Francisco Theological Seminary.He enjoys assisting individuals and organizations in discovering their creative potential and celebrating their talents to make the world a better, brighter place.